Cliburn, wearing white tie and tails, "is that rare breed of touring concert artist who can manage to project himself, his whole being, into his work," the editor said. "Every chord, every note seemed to come straight from Cliburn's heart, and the audience loved it.

"Sitting in rapt silence, then bursting into tumultuous applause, the audience was Cliburn's all the way."

While in San Angelo, the pianist also played tourist, visiting the new state-of-the-art Central High School and its Sarah Bernhardt Theatre, glass-enclosed pool and Babe Didrikson Gymnasium.

The editor asked the international star why he traveled alone.

"When there are a lot of people with me, I can't help but feel that I'm traveling with them, instead of them with me," Cliburn said.

Cliburn said he had never regretted his fast-paced life.

"Each experience is a new one to me," he said. "Nothing ever seems to repeat. It's always interesting."

Asked about his famous meeting with Nikita Khrushchev, he said, "Naturally we were both on our best party manners, so I thought him a fine person."

Cliburn said the audience played an important role at his performances.

"I must feel the audience breathe. I can look out and see them there, but only when I can feel them there can I really relax in my playing."

Van Cliburn died this week from bone cancer at age 78, 54 years after his first — and as far as I can tell last — concerts in San Angelo.

He's remembered in different ways: as a famous musician; as a Grammy winner; as "The Texan Who Conquered Russia," for the way he won the hearts of music-loving Russians during the Cold War.

West Texans may remember him as the pianist who kept his promise to perform in San Angelo.

Some of you must have been at one of his concerts in the September of 1959.

It would be interesting to hear what you remember about the time Van Cliburn performed here.

Rick Smith is a local news and community affairs columnist. Contact Rick at rsmith@gosanangelo.com or 659-8248.